Samsung is launching a new trade-in program in France, called Galaxy Trade-In, where it takes back your old smartphone without any purchase obligation on your part. But is it really beneficial?
A few days before the presentation of the Galaxy S25 series, expected on January 22, 2025, Samsung is seeking to attract consumers and encourage them to renew their smartphones. Also, the company announces, in a blog postthe launch in France of Galaxy Trade-In, its takeover program which has existed for several years now in South Korea. The principle is simple: the consumer resells their old smartphone directly on the Samsung website and benefits either from a discount on their new purchase, or – and this is the novelty – is paid the sum directly, without obligation to ‘purchase.
A little financial boost in times of inflation to allow consumers to access the manufacturer’s new products, while doing something for the environment. On paper, we can only praise this initiative. But is it financially interesting?
Galaxy Trade-In: a recovery limited to a few models
For this trade-in program, Samsung has partnered with Likewize, a company specializing in after-sales services and mobile device management. The process is simple: the user indicates the characteristics of their smartphone on the site, then sends it to the American company, which carries out an inspection to confirm the trade-in value. Once this is validated, the amount is paid to the customer without obligation to purchase. A significant difference compared to other competing programs, such as that of Apple – which also works with Likewize. The devices are then resold after data deletion or recycled.responsibly“.
For the moment, the no-obligation trade-in program is limited to a reduced number of high-end models. This includes the Galaxy S20, S21, S22 and S23 series, as well as the foldable devices Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 5. This list may change depending on the region. and periods. Note that Samsung’s most recent smartphones are not eligible at this time. Depending on the model, its proper functioning and its general condition, the repurchase prices vary from a few dozen to more than 400 euros.
Galaxy Trade-In: an advantageous trade-in program, really?
France is currently the only country in Europe to be eligible for the Galaxy Trade-In program, but it should expand subsequently, if the test is satisfactory. Samsung highlights the security offered by its trade-in program, with the guarantee of a transaction supervised directly by the manufacturer. Enough to avoid the unpleasant surprises that we can sometimes have with certain resellers…
But, in terms of price, is it advantageous? Let’s take a 128 GB Galaxy S23 in very good condition. Samsung’s trade-in program offers 225 euros – but the amount must be confirmed after receipt of the device by Likewize, which will carry out a thorough diagnosis; the amount could therefore be less. It is possible to resell the smartphone at much higher prices – around 400 euros – on resale platforms, such as Leboncoin or eBay.
Otherwise, for those who do not want to manage a sale between individuals and all the problems that can arise from it, these official resellers offer 278 euros at Easy Cash, 334 euros at e-recycle, 200 euros at TechRachat, 285 euros at Mobilorama, 347 euros at Rebuy… In short, Samsung seems to be in a low range, but here again we have to see the real amount allocated after inspection by the reseller.
Note that it is entirely possible to benefit from a trade-in bonus with devices other than those mentioned above, including a significant number of old smartphones from various brands (Apple, Asus, HTC, etc.), but also tablets, connected watches and wireless headphones, again from all brands, provided that the discount is applied directly to the purchase of a new Samsung device. But the discount is only symbolic, since it amounts to 1 euro! It’s really a matter of clearing one’s conscience…
In short, the best thing is to go through the direct second-hand market or, if you don’t want to manage the inconveniences that can arise from this type of sale, to look closely at other recognized and reliable resellers to see if the trade-in bonus is not more interesting. It’s a little more work, for sure, but it’s worth it for the wallet. For those who don’t want to spend time and are looking to change devices as quickly as possible, the Galaxy Trade-In program appears to be the easy solution.